Covenant On Small Scale Mining In Benguet

"We, the stakeholders of small scale gold mining in Benguet province,
acknowledging that the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides that the exploration, development, and utilization of mineral resources shall be under the full control and supervision of the State;
recognizing that the prudent use of natural resources is necessary for the
sustainable development of our province and our country;
that small scale mining can contribute to poverty reduction and the growth of our economy;
that our interests as stakeholders, carry with it our responsibilities for
ensuring the proper management of our finite mineral resources,
the protection of our fragile environment,
the preservation of people’s rights to a balanced ecology and,
the fulfillment of our obligations to the State.
We, therefore, commit to actively participate in the
transparent and accountable governance of small scale gold mining in Benguet and
to work in concerted effort for the collective benefit of all stakeholders."

About Benguet Small Scale Gold Mining

Mining is a major industry in Benguet province second to agriculture. In 2016, Benguet province produced 12.46B kilograms of copper, gold and silver accounting for 98.10% of the Cordillera Administrative Region’s production. Engaged in by large and small scale miners, the number of employees in small scale mining was estimated at 25,000 small scale miners. The exact contribution of small scale mining to the economy is not known as it continues to exist as part of the informal economy inspite of laws for its legitimization. Read more